Monday, November 30, 2015

It is the last day of November. The month went by so quickly. Today is also Stay at Home Because You are Well Day! What a wonderful day. I am a firm believer in this day. Every now and then a person needs a day off just to relax. No because you are sick or a child is sick. You need a day to be able to lounge in bed and be lazy.

Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson
is the second book in the Brides of Seattle series. It takes place in Seattle, Washington
Territory in 1889. Abrianna Cunningham
and Militine Scott attend the Madison Bridal School. Militine is attending the school, but she is
not serious about finding a husband. She
has secrets in her past (she is only twenty-two) and does not think anyone will
ever want her if they find them out. Thane
Patton knows something about secrets. He
is attracted to Militine and would like her to consider a future with him. Can these two overcome their past to have a
beautiful future? Will they be able to
survive Abrianna and her ideas?

Refining Fire can easily be read
without having enjoyed the first book in the Brides of Seattle series. I have read just about every book ever
written by Tracie Peterson and this is the first one that I have not
enjoyed. I found it to be very preachy. It is
over the top, in your face, shove it down your throat preachy (I prefer it to
be more subtle). The story is cute
though predictable. It is a normal,
Christian romance book. I did not like
Abrianna. I found her to be an
unlikeable character (very pushy). I
give Refining Fire 3 out of 5 stars. The
writing is good (as always), but I just did not enjoy the story.

Thank you for visiting! I am currently reading Medici's Daughter by Sophie Perinot (very disappointing). Tomorrow (December 1) is book release day! I love getting new books. I will tell you about some of the new releases tomorrow. Have a great evening and Happy Reading!KrisThe Avid Reader

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Happy Square Dance Day! Square dancing was brought to America from our Irish, English, and Scottish ancestors. In the United States we added the caller to help the dancers stay in step. Square dancing is a great form of exercise. So grab your partner and dosey do.

Death Comes to Kurland Hall by Catherine Lloyd is the third book in Kurland St. Mary Mystery series. The story takes place in Kurland St. Mary,
England in 1817. Sophia Giffin and her fiancé,
Andrew Stanford are getting married.
Miss Lucy Harrington is going to stand up with Sophia (her best friend)
and Major Sir Robert Kurland is going to stand up for Andrew. It will be a little awkward since Lucy just
turned down the Major’s proposal (she does not believe he really meant it and
that he was pressured into it). The
wedding party and the guests adjourn to Robert’s estate for the reception. After the newly married couple depart, Lucy
finds Mrs. Maria Chingford dead at the bottom of the back stairs. Mrs. Chingford had been after Lucy’s father
(the local rector) and their engagement was announced at the reception.

Robert and Lucy set out to find
the culprit. There are plenty of
suspects as Mrs. Chingford made enemies wherever she went (even her daughters
did not like her). Then one of the
suspects ends up dead. Robert and Lucy
will have to work quickly to find the killer before there are more
victims. With Robert and Lucy working
together, they might be able to work out their differences for a happy
future.

While Death Comes to Kurland Hall
is the third book in the series, it can be read alone. I think, though, it would be beneficial to
read the other two books (there are references to things that took place in the
previous two novels). I am going to go
back and read the first two books. I
enjoyed the characters (most of them) and the beautiful setting of Kurland St.
Mary. The mystery, though, was not
complicated and easy to figure out (though the author does try to mislead the
reader). The author, though, did provide
good clues that helps the reader figure out the killer (in case you did not
solve it early in the book). The author’s
style of writing is engaging making for an easy to read book. I give Death Comes to Kurland Hall 4 out of 5
stars. It is nice to take a break from
novels set in the current time period to read an historical cozy mystery. There is, of course, some romance in the book. Robert and Lucy have chemistry. Robert and Lucy have to decide if they want a future together (there is also some misunderstandings thanks to a lack of communication). I look forward to reading more books by
Catherine Lloyd.The first two books in the Kurland St. Mary Mystery series are Death Comes to the Village (available on Kindle Unlimited) and Death Comes to London. I received a complimentary copy
of Death Comes to Kurland Hall by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.I am currently reading The Seafront Tearoom by Vanessa Greene. What about you? I am always looking for new books to read. I am off to run a couple of errands. Have a nice, relaxing Sunday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Happy Red Planet Day! It is a day to honor our celestial neighbor Mars which is the fourth planet in the solar system. Did you know that Mars get is name from the Greek word Ares (God of War)? It is the seventh largest planet and it does not have any moons. Red Planet Day is also to commemorate the launch of the Spacecraft Mariner 4 on this day in 1964.

Cardiac Arrest by Lisa Q. Mathews
is the first book in The Ladies Smythe and Westin series. Dorothy Westin is a seventy-eight year old
woman living in Hibiscus Pointe in Milano, Florida. It is a community for people over the age of
fifty-five (we have a lot of them in Florida).
Dorothy is getting ready for her morning swim when she notices Summer
Sloan-Smythe. She is considerably
younger than the rest of the residents (twenty-nine and not very bright). Summer’s grandmother passed away recently and
Summer is staying in her apartment (courtesy of her father). Summer has a new job at Dr. Anthony
Amoretto’s office. Dr. Amoretto is a
popular cardiologist in Milano (the ladies love him). Unfortunately, Dr. Amoretto dies shortly
after Summer arrives at work. Dorothy
was also in the office for her checkup.

Dorothy and Summer team up to
find out who killed Dr. Amoretto when Summer is deemed a person of
interest. This unlikely duo will have to
look into Dr. Amoretto’s life to find out who wanted him dead (turns out the
list is longer than they thought).

Cardiac Arrest is an average
novel. I did not hate it nor did I love
it. Dorothy is the main character but we
received very few details on her (except where she lived). The mystery was extremely simple. It was
child’s play to solve (the killer was so obvious as well as how he was killed). I found Summer to be a very annoying
character (very shallow). I give Cardiac Arrest 2.5 out
of 5 stars. It was just a mediocre book
(and I am glad that I did not pay for it).
I do not believe I will read any other books in The Ladies Smythe and
Westin series.

I received a complimentary copy
of Cardiac Arrest from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

There will be a new Hallmark Christmas movie tonight starring Candace Cameron Bure (there is nothing else on). The movies are sappy, but sweet. I hope all of you have had a relaxing Saturday. I spent the day reading (I could not help myself). I am currently enjoying Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden. Have a great evening, take care, and Happy Reading!

Friday, November 27, 2015

Happy Black Friday! Today is also Buy Nothing Day! Talk about an oxymoron. The day was created as a protest against the commercialism of Christmas. They ask that you not purchase anything for twenty-four hours (on Black Friday?). I think the majority of people purchased items today. Either in the store or online (like me). I cannot stand crowds so I take advantage of the deals online. I want this to be a special Christmas for my mother. It will be a difficult one for all of us as it will be the first Christmas without my father.

Death by Tea by Alex Erickson is
the second book in A Bookstore Café Mystery series. Krissy Hancock is part owner in Death by
Coffee (named after a book by her father, James Hancock) with her best friend,
Vicki Patterson in Pine Hills. Rita
Jablonski (a big fan of James Hancock) has decided to move the Pines Hills and
Cherry Valley Book Club Competition to Death by Coffee. A beautiful silver teapot is the prize. They are a vocal group, but it will bring
business into the store. But then one of
the Cherry Hill members, David Smith, ends up dead inside Death by Coffee. Krissy is a suspect thanks to her late night
activities (taking a cardboard cutout of her father out of the store that belongs
to Rita). Krissy sets out to prove her
innocence and she will do whatever it takes.
She will have to evade Officer Buchanan who is determined to put her in
jail (he just does not like her) and her very nosy neighbor, Eleanor Withrow.

I was hoping that Death by Tea would
be better than the first book in the series.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed (I think it was worse). Krissy is just not a likable character. The story is written in the first person so
we get to hear all her ramblings and nonsense.
She likes Officer Paul Dalton (with the Pine Hills police department) and
does not understand why he does not call (this goes on throughout the whole
book). The mystery was secondary in the
novel to Krissy’s life (she would forget what she was saying or doing when a
handsome man was present). We get to hear more about her awful cat, Misfit (who
destroys furniture), than about the mystery.
There is also a very gross scene where Krissy has to pull twine out of Misfit's tush (we really did not need this scene). When Krissy questions or
interrogates people she is not very polite (actually can be rude and
pushy). It is like she feels she is
entitled to get the answers she wants (even though the people have no reason to
talk to her). Krissy rushes into
situations (frequently) without thinking things through (leading to
embarrassing moments for her and the person she accuses). I give Death by Tea 2.75 out of 5 stars. As you can tell, I am not a fan of this
novel. The mystery was extremely easy to
solve (despite the attempts of the author to mislead the readers). One clue was the key to solving the
mystery.

I hope everyone had a great Black Friday! I am off to feed the cats and dogs their dinner. They like to keep to a schedule (and the cats are meowing at me while I am getting dirty looks from Wolfie--are oldest dog). If you like police dramas, check out Unforgettable (wonderful show). The new season starts tonight on A&E (new channel for the show). I am currently reading Secrets Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz (very good book). Take care and Happy Reading!

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is having a very blessed day! It is also Shopping Reminder Day (like we need a reminder with all the ads we received today). When I was growing up nothing (except a gas station) was open on Thanksgiving Day. Now, we have so many stores that are open. My daughter went out this afternoon to take advantage of some of the sales. I did my shopping online to avoid the crowds! How about you? Did you pick up some wonderful bargains today?The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck is a heartwarming Christian romance novel. Jimmy (James) Westbrook built a lovely stone
and wood chapel for the woman he loved in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee. Unfortunately, he and the love of his life
never used the chapel. Jimmy is now
retired (football coach) and he sees no reason to hang onto the chapel. A local realtor convinces Jimmy to put the
chapel up for sale. Will Jimmy really be
able to sell the chapel when the time comes?
Colette Greer is a famous actress
(soap opera) who lived for a few years in Heart’s Bend. She has not been back since she was nineteen
years old (she is now 82). But then she
hears that the chapel is up for sale and she needs to go see it. What has kept Colette away for all these
years?

Taylor Branson has moved to New York
(from Heart’s Bend, Tennessee) to become a commercial photographer. One day she ran into Jack Forester (also from
Heart’s Bend) who is an ad man. They had
a whirlwind courtship and then eloped.
Six months later things are not going well on their relationship. No one in Taylor’s family has ever had a
happily ever after in their marriage (everyone is divorced). Can Taylor and Jack make it work? Taylor gets a job photographing Jimmy’s chapel
for Agricultural Digest. It will also
give her a chance to decide what to do with her grandmother’s home (she
inherited it). Taylor discovers a letter
from her grandmother to Taylor about a secret.
What secret was her grandmother hiding and how it will impact her
family?

The Wedding Chapel goes back and
forth from the present to the past to tell the story of Jimmy, Colette, Taylor,
and Jack (and Taylor’s grandmother). I
found The Wedding Chapel a little hard to get into, but once I did I enjoyed
the story immensely. I give The Wedding Chapel 4.25 out of 5 stars. In The Wedding Chapel we see how destructive secrets are to a family and how they can
keep people apart. Also, how a lack of
communication can be hurtful to a marriage. The Wedding Chapel is well-written, with a
lovely setting (Heart’s Bend), and characters that are very relatable. Once
you get all the characters in the book straight, it is easier to read.

You can check out Rachel Hauck's other books on Amazon as well as follow her for updates on new releases. I received a complimentary copy
of The Wedding Chapel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for taking time out of your holiday to check out my review. I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving! Take care and Happy Reading!KrisThe Avid Reader

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Happy National Parfait Day! If you feel like some ice cream, whipped cream, and toppings this is the day to indulge (a chance to relax before the holiday).

Yarned and Dangerous by Sadie Hartwell is the first book in A Tangled Web Mystery series. Josie Blair lives in New York City and works
for Otto Heinrich at the Haus of Heinrich.
She gets fired regularly because of his temper and lecherous ways. Josie’s mother, Katherine (single mother and
teacher) needs Josie to come back to Dorset Falls, Connecticut to take care of
her Uncle Eb (Eben Lloyd). Uncle Eb
broke his leg in a car accident that killed his wife, Cora. Katherine is going away on a cruise. She would cancel it if she could, but it is
non-refundable (and she really deserves a vacation). Since Josie was just fired again (refusing
Otto’s advances), she agrees to take care of Uncle Eb until his cast comes
off.

Cora (Eb’s deceased wife) owned a
yarn shop called Miss Marple Knits.
Josie has agreed to go through the shop and clear it out. The first day Josie receives two offers to
buy the shop from very pushy women. The
next day Josie finds Lillian Woodruff dead in the stockroom on top of a pile of
cashmere yarn (such a waste of yarn).
Who wanted Lillian dead and how did they get into Miss Marple
Knits? Josie sets out to find the
killer. Josie also has to deal with the building’s
owners serving an eviction notice.
Diantha Humphries (and her son who dated Josie in high school) have
plans for the building location. What
are they up to? Between Miss Marple
Knits, the murder, and Uncle Eb and his farm, Josie has her hands full. Will Josie find the killer before the killer
finds her? Will Josie see a future for
herself in Dorset Falls or will she return to New York?

Yarned and Dangerous was just
delightful.Great characters (even
grumpy Uncle Eb), good mystery, and so many beautiful yarns (great descriptions
provided in the book).Yarned andDangerous captured my interest right away and held it throughout the book.There were not a lot of clues provided, but
there are enough to figure out the killer.There is a little romance (just the right amount) in the book for Josie
with Mitch Woodruff (nephew to Lillian Woodruff who was killed).I give Yarned and Dangerous 4.25 out of 5
stars.Yarned and Dangerous is a good
start to a new series.I look forward to
reading the next book in A Tangled Web Mystery series. If you like reading cozy mysteries, you will enjoy reading Yarned and Dangerous!

I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving! I just found out that I do not have to cook tomorrow! We are so fortunate to have some relatives drop off a complete dinner for us (our first holiday without my father). I am very thankful. Take care and Happy Reading!

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

I hope everyone is having a lovely Tuesday. Thanksgiving will be here before we know it (and I keep remembering things I forgot to buy at the store). Today is All Our Uncles are Monkeys Day also known as Evolution Day. It is a day to celebrate the publication On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. It was published on this day in 1859. It was a very controversial publication. If you like cozy mysteries, Yarned and Dangerous by Sadie Hartwell came out today. It is good book. I will post my review on it tomorrow!Patterns of Change by Terri DuLong is the first book in the Ormond Beach series (and came out today). Chloe Radcliffe is trying to get over the
recent deaths of her Aunt Maude and her significant other, Gabe (who died
suddenly). She has just been drifting
along and believes it might be time for a change. Chloe decides to visit Ormond Beach,
Florida. Chloe and Gabe were going to
move there before he passed away. Chloe
rents a condo from Henry Wagner. She
meets Yarrow and Mavis Anne Overby.
Yarrow owns the Yarrow’s Tea Shop and Mavis Anne owns the beautiful
Victorian home that Chloe has been dreaming about (before she ever saw
it). Mavis Anne convinces Chloe to open
a yarn shop in a cute building behind the Victorian Home (named Koi House). Half the building will be the new yarn shop
and the other half with be Yarrow’s tea shop.
This is a new start for Chloe. Then
she is reminded of an incident from college.
In order for Chloe to move forward with her life (especially her love
life) she will need to learn forgiveness.
Can Chloe forgive and embrace her new life in Ormond Beach?

You will have to read Patterns of Change to find out. I enjoyed Patterns of Change. It is nice to see Chloe and
all our old friends from the Cedar Key series.
I like that she is moving on (and we will get more stories). Patterns of Change is easy and enjoyable to
read. The setting of Ormond Beach is
just lovely (the author wrote some gorgeous descriptions of the city and beach
area). The Victorian home described in
the book is my dream home and I can understand why Chloe wants to live in it. I like the message of forgiveness in the
book. It is so hard to forgive someone
especially when they committed a horrible act against a person. The other message in the book is
friendship. Chloe arrives in town not
knowing a soul and ends up with some great new friends. They are united through their love of yarn
and creating objects with fiber (there is also a great shawl pattern enclosed
in the book). It does help to have read
the Cedar Key series (so you know the history of Chloe), but it is not
necessary (since it is a new city and new characters). I give Patterns of Change 4.5 out of 5 stars
(there are a couple of slow areas). I
liked reading Patterns of Change and will look forward to reading the next book
in the Ormond Beach series.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my latest review. I am currently reading Happy Homicides (various authors). I was lucky enough to get a copy through Reading Alley. I am off to bake cookies. Have a great afternoon! Take care and Happy Reading!KrisThe Avid Reader

Monday, November 23, 2015

It is National Cashew Day! I just love cashews as did my father (and Doozy, our dog). We could go through a can quite quickly. Are you a cashew fan? Today is a great day to pick up a can. It is also Eat a Cranberry Day. Native Americans not only harvested and ate cranberries, they also used them to make dyes and for medicinal uses.

Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke
is a Christian historical novel set in 1972.
Hannah Sterling’s mother, Lieselotte passed away recently. They were never close, but Hannah is having
trouble getting over her death. Hannah
is taking it out on her students and the principal is making her take a leave
of absence. Hannah believes that if she
looks into her mother’s past, maybe she can understand why she was so distant
and cold. Hannah finds some letters that
lead her to a grandfather in Germany.
Will Hannah get the answers she desires in Germany?

Lieselotte Sommer is a young girl
in 1938 when things start to become difficult in Germany. Her father is working to quickly climb the
ranks in the Nazi party. He wants to
make sure his daughter makes a good match and then produces children (Hitler encouraged
Aryans to marry and reproduce).
Lieselotte has other plans. She
works behind her father’s back to help the Jews in hiding along with the
Kirchmann family. Lieselotte has cared
for Lukus Kirchmann for quite some time.
Will there relationship develop into something deeper? Will her father allow it?

Secrets She Kept tells the
stories of Hannah and Lieselotte. We get
to find out what happened to Lieselotte that made her cold towards her daughter
(and other people). Will Hannah be happy
with what she discovers and can she then move on with her life? Secrets She Kept was an engaging novel. It was a little slow in places, but overall a
good book. I give Secrets She Kept 4 out of 5 stars. The Christian theme is light (not in your
face). Secrets She Kept teaches how
destructive secrets can be in a family. Once you get into the novel, you will not want
to put it down until you are done.

You can follow Cathy Gohlke on Amazon (you will get notified when she has a new book). Check out her page on Amazon to see her other novels. I received a complimentary copy
of Secrets She Kept from NetGalley and The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange
for an honest review. If you like my reviews, please consider joining my blog (on the right).

I am currently reading Death by Tea by Alex Erickson (not enjoying it). I am off to do housework (it is never ending). I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Sunday, November 22, 2015

The beginning of Thanksgiving week. Today is Go for a Ride Day! Think outside the box. If you live where there is snow, think about taking a sleigh ride. If you live in Florida, you can go for a ride on a jet ski! The idea is to slow down a little and take a break before the chaos of the holidays.

The Casquette Girls by Arly Arden is a young adult paranormal romance story and the first book in The Casquette
Girls Series. Adele Le Moyne (just
turned sixteen) is returning home to New Orleans with her father after being
away for two months. They had to
evacuate the state (Louisiana) when a big hurricane came through the area and
then stalled causing considerable damage.
Adele was sent to live with her mother, Brigitte Dupre in Paris (who put
her in a boarding school) while her father, Macalister (Mac) Le Moyne worked in
Miami. They do not know what they will
find when they return to their home and the bar that her father owns.

After arriving home strange
things start happening to Adele. She can
move metal items with her mind. What is
going on? She then finds a journal of
her ancestor Adeline Saint Germain that provides some needed information along
with some new friends who have some interesting abilities. Adele and her new friends are going to have
to work together to battle the vampires that have invaded New Orleans (and are
killing off the citizens of the city).
Will these three teenagers be able to battle the evil in their community?

I enjoyed The Casquette Girls. It is a long novel, but once you
get involved in the book you do not notice.
Some sections are a little slow (especially when Adele is ogling the
handsome vampire), but I enjoyed how the author tied the past (Adele’s
ancestor) to the present. Some things
are a little predictable (like the truth about Adele’s mother—I could see that
coming from the very beginning—sorry I do not want to spoil your reading
pleasure), but overall The Casquette Girls is a good book to read. I give The Casquette Girls 4 out of 5 stars. The writing is good, but Adele’s temper
(which always seemed to be out of control) really got on my nerves after a
while. I also enjoyed this author’s
paranormal take on the young girls (click on link for more information) who came from France with their casquettes
(small chests filled with their belongings). While this is a
young adult novel, I think it can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. I will be watching for more books from Arlys
Arden.

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Happy Saturday! It is World Hello Day! It is supposed to help promote world peace (wouldn't that be wonderful). Make sure to say hello to people if you are out and about today. It is also False Confession Day! Be careful what you confess to though. They suggest you avoid confessing to any major crimes (no one wants to do jail time), do not make any false calls to 911 (you can get into trouble for this), or to kissing your dog on the lips!

Death Before Decaf by Caroline Fardig is A Java Jive Mystery novel.
Juliet Langley is turning thirty years old and is returning home to
Nashville. Juliet is a lovely singer,
but unable to perform because of severe stage fright. Juliet was running a café of her own until
her scum bag (pardon my language) fiancé cleaned out her accounts, apartment,
and left town with the café’s best waitress.
Juliet has gotten a job as manager of the Java Jive where she worked
while she was in college. On her first
day Juliet has a run in with the chef, Dave (who likes to violate the health
codes). The next thing you know Dave is
dead behind Java Jive. Juliet is told by
Detective Cromwell (of the MNPD) that she is a person of interest. Juliet sets out to prove her innocence (no
matter what the consequences). Pete
Bennett (who owns the Java Jive) who is Juliet’s best friend helps her clear
her name. Juliet also gets help from
Seth Davis, a professor from the college, who has been hanging out at Java
Jive. Pete distrusts Seth (he has good
instincts), but Juliet refuses to listen (especially since she cannot stand
Pete’s girlfriend who is her arch nemesis).
Will Juliet be able to clear her name and find the culprit (and stay
alive)?

I liked the mystery in Death Before Decaf. It was not as easy to
solve as I thought it would be. It was
more complicated which I enjoyed (I like difficult puzzles). I did not enjoy the foul language or the sex
in the book. I like to read cozy
mysteries because they do not contain bad language (there are many creative
alternatives) or overt sex (I am not a prude.
I just get tired of it being shoved in our faces). I give Death Before Decaf 3 out of 5
stars. A good start to a new
series. I am hoping the next book will
be much better (I am trying to be optimistic).

The next book in A Java Jive Mystery series is Mug Shot. It will be released on April 19, 2016 (which can change). I received a complimentary copy
of Death Before Decaf from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you are out today and it is raining in your area, please be careful. I hope you have a nice and relaxing Saturday. If you enjoy Christmas movies, NorthPole 2 will be on tonight (the Hallmark channel). I am currently reading Murder on the Last Frontier by Cathy Pegau. Take care and Happy Reading!

Friday, November 20, 2015

Happy Absurdity Day! I am not kidding (I could not make these things up)! And to be contradictory it is also Beautiful Day! So go out and have a beautifully, absurd day or an absurdly, beautiful day! Take you pick!

Yappy Hour by Diana Orgain is a
new cozy mystery novel. Maggie has just
moved to Pacific Cove, California. Maggie
was a financial advisor in New York. She
has applied for a position with Riviera Cruise Line which is new to the
area. Two reasons Maggie moved to
Pacific Cove were her sister, Rachel, and her Uncle Ernest (aka Grunkly). Maggie gets a text message from her sister
asking her to watch the bar The Wine and Bark for a few days. Rachel does not give her any other
information (like who will be the bartender since Maggie has no experience,
what type of food she serves, etc.).
Maggie heads over to the bar and finds it open. She enters and finds Yolanda (a local woman who
makes handbags shaped like animals and are extremely ugly but expensive) standing
over a man on the floor. Dan Walters,
manager of DelVecchio’s (the restaurant next door) is dead on the floor.

Officer Brad Brooks is the police
officer assigned to the case. Since
Rachel left town very suddenly (just broke up with Dan and he was trying to
close down her bar), she is an immediate suspect. Maggie wants to prove that Rachel could not
have committed the crime (and find out where she went). Will Maggie be able to keep Rachel out of jail?

I found Yappy Hour to be slightly
idiotic (I am just being truthful). Maggie is a contradiction. We are told that she was in finance in New
York (had a high paying job until the economy tanked), but she acts like a
bumbling idiot (and I mean that she is lacking in intelligence and reasoning
skills) throughout most of the book. The
sight of a hunky man renders her speechless (several times throughout the book). The most interesting character in the book
was Uncle Ernest. He was fun and
entertaining. He keeps everything (a
hoarder), likes to bet on horse races (horses that do not win), and is very
friendly. I did, though, like the
mystery in the book. We did not get a
lot of clues (instead we got talk of food and romance), but I liked that the
murder was not easy to solve (I did solve it, but not until I was about halfway
through the book). I give Yappy Hour 3 out
of 5 stars (satisfactory or okay). I
just think it needs a little work (like not making Maggie—a college
graduate—out to be moronic).

Thursday, November 19, 2015

It is Have a Bad Day Day (I am not kidding)! It was created to encourage people to wish someone a bad day (instead of saying have a good day). So if you have ever wanted to wish someone a bad day, do it today! It is also the Great American Smokeout! If you or a family member smoke, this is the day to try and stop. Smoking not only causes damage to the smoker but to those around the smoker (especially those with asthma). My father smoked almost his whole life and you would not believe the damage it did to his lungs. I will get off my soapbox now and I appreciate you listening (or, in this case, reading).

A Pain in the Tuchis by Mark Reutlinger is the second book in a Mrs. Kaplan Mystery series. Rose Kaplan and her sidekick, Ida Berkowitz
live at the Julius and Rebecca Cohen Home for Jewish Seniors. Vera Gold (who was a pain in everyone’s
tuchis) just passed away (on Yom Kippur).
Her sister, Fannie Kleinberg does not believe that Vera died from a
natural death (since she was getting better after having been ill) and asks
Rose to look into the matter. Rose had
previous success solving a crime and has been helpful in finding items for
residents (and solving disputes). Rose
and Ida start talking to various people to find out what happened to Vera
Gold. When it turns out that Vera was
poisoned, Rose will have to try and narrow down the suspect pool (since Vera
managed to alienate everyone she met) to find the killer.

I found A Pain in the Tuchis to
be just a satisfactory novel. The story
is told from Ida’s perspective so we do not know everything Rose is thinking
and doing during the book (which leaves us missing clues since she is the one
solving the crime). There are also many
(way too many) Yiddish phrases in the book (some are explained and some are
not). The mystery was extremely easy to solve
(though the author tries to mislead the reader). There are also several side stories going on
during the book (Motorcycle Moishe who wants to date Ida, Sol and his issues
with his mother-in-law) that have nothing to do with the mystery. I had trouble getting into this story. I wanted to enjoy it, but I did not. I think part of it is the rambling nature of
the book. It is written like Ida is
talking to you and telling you a story (but we get everything not just the
mystery—i.e. shopping, dinner, tea time).
I give A Pain in the Tuchis 3 out
of 5 stars. I believe the story just needs a little more
work (like getting rid of the extraneous characters and all the Yiddish
phrases). I also think the story would
be better if it was told from Rose’s point of view instead of Ida’s. A Pain in the Tuchis is the second book in
the series, but can easily be read alone.

I am currently reading Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson. I am going to eat dinner and get ready for my shows tonight. I cannot believe that some of the shows (Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder) are having their winter finales already. I think we got (max) eight shows so far this season. They will probably not return until the end of January (like last year). Good thing I have plenty of books to read (and a lot of shows saved on the DVR). Have a great Thursday evening and Happy Reading.KrisThe Avid Reader

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

We are halfway through the week! Today is Occult Day! This is the day you can bring out your Ouija board (unless, like me, someone in your family got rid of it). I want to apologize for the delay in posting some of my reviews (like today's). I got behind while my father was ill (he wanted to stay at home), but I am working to catch up.

The Silence of the Chihuahuas by Waverly Curtis is the fifth book in the Barking Detective Mysteries. Geri and Pepe (her Chihuahua) have started
the Sullivan and Sullivan PI Agency in Seattle, Washington. However, Pepe has quit talking, and Geri does
not understand why he has suddenly stopped talking. She has taken him to the vet, but the vet
just looks at her like she is nuts (do you blame him). Her therapist believes Geri needs to a little
rest and recommends some time at a clinic.
Geri goes to talk to her friend,
Brad Best and finds his shop closed.
Geri talks to Brad’s partner, Jay.
Jay has not seen Brad in days (and has yet to report him missing). Geri decides to visit a client of Brad’s to
see if he has been over there lately.
Unfortunately, Geri finds Mrs. Fairchild dead in her kitchen.

Brad is the number one suspect in
Mrs. Fairchild’s murder. Geri and Pepe
set out to find who killed Mrs. Fairchild and what happened to Brad. Geri gets a call from her sister, Teri asking
for help. Geri has not heard from Teri
in years. The caller ID states Forest
Glen Clinic. When Geri calls the clinic,
they claim not to have a guest by that name.
Geri decides to check it out for herself. Pepe definitely smells Tina in the
clinic. Geri decides to take her
doctor’s advice and have a little rest (i.e. time to snoop). Why not take that rest at the Forest Glen
Clinic? Can Geri and Pepe find Teri in
time?

I’m sorry but there was just too
much going on in The Silence of the Chihuahuas.
It was enough with the murder of Mrs. Fairchild and Brad being
missing. The story really did not need
the third mystery of the sister. And I
have not told you everything. There is
also the boyfriend, Felix Navarro. He is
a pet therapist and trying to get on a new show called Pet Intervention (the
producer of Dancing with Dogs). In
addition, we have Jimmy G. (Geri’s former boss) who talks about himself in the
third person (which is extremely annoying).
I found the murder was easy to solve as well as what happened to Brad
(it was obvious). I just found The
Silence of the Chihuahuas to be over the top on silliness. I liked the idea of the talking dog (who does
not imagine their pet talking) and his blog posts were hilarious. I give The Silence of the Chihuahuas 3 out of
5 stars (it was okay). The Silence of the Chihuahuas can be read alone, but it would be more beneficial if you read
the other books in the Barking Detective Mysteries.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

There are several unique holidays listed today! It is Electronic Greeting Card Day (I wonder who created this day), Homemade Bread Day, World Peace Day (which we need in lieu of what happened in Paris), and (this one takes the cake) Take a Hike Day! If I told someone to take a hike, I do not think they would take it the correct way! I will enjoy Homemade Bread Day with some wonderful rolls I just picked up from the bakery.

What the Heart Remembers by Bette Lee Crosby is the third book in the Memory House Collection. Annie and Oliver Doyle are happily enjoying
their home and awaiting the birth of their baby. Max (Maxine) Martinelli is Annie’s friend and
an architect. Max has been unable to
move forward with her life since she returned from Paris three years ago. When Max was in Paris she met and fell in love
with Julien Marceau. Julien was supposed
to follow Max back to the states.
Unfortunately, Max never heard from Julien again. Now Max thinks that Julien could have been in
an accident and have amnesia. That is why
he never contacted her. Max is
determined to go to Paris and look for Julien.
Annie has tried talking to Max (to get her to move on) and she has even
tried to set her up with Oliver’s old law partner, Andrew Steen. This is a journey that Max needs to go on in
order to have a future. Annie sends her
off at the airport with some special tea.

Max goes to Paris and starts
searching for Julien. Will Max find what
she is looking for in Paris? Or will she
find something even better? Join us on
Max’s journey in What the Heart Remembers.
What the Heart Remembers is a wonderful book to read. I did want to strangle Max at times, but I
understand how she feels (it is hard to get over someone). It is nice to revisit the characters in the
Memory House Collection. We get to see how
Ophelia Browne is enjoying her new life at Baylor Towers, how Oliver is doing
after his accident, and we get to find out if Annie has a boy or a girl! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and did not
want it to end. I think this is my
favorite book from the Memory House Collection.
I give What the Heart Remembers 5 out of 5 stars. In order to enjoy What the Heart Remembers,
you really do need to read the other two books in the series (in order for
everything to make sense).

Monday, November 16, 2015

Happy Button Day! Do you collect buttons? There are so many beautiful old buttons and they can make gorgeous jewelry (I have several little bins full of buttons). It is also Have a Party with your Bear Day! If you have a little girl or boy (you might need to give him a little more incentive), it would be the perfect day for a tea party.

A Dash of Daring by Elizabeth Maddrey is the third book in the Taste of Romance series. This is a Christian romance series. Zach Wilson teaches math at an inner-city
high school in Washington, D.C. He has
been interested in dating Amy Harris (substitute teacher and after school care
coordinator) for some time, but she keeps putting him in the friend zone (Amy
wishes to avoid dating someone who is not a part of her multi-ethnic heritage). Zach finally asks her out on a real date and
Amy hesitantly accepts. This is the
first of many dates. Amy, though, will
have a long way to go before she is ready for a serious relationship. Amy tends to make snap judgements and jump to
conclusions without hearing all the information. Amy and Zach will get to know each other
better as they work on the school’s holiday program. When Zach gets an opportunity to have a job
at a magnet school will it end their budding relationship (he would like to
teach to students who actually enjoy math)?
Will Amy be able to get over her issues to have a wonderful future?

A Dash of Daring is a sweet,
Christian romance novel. There is some
kissing in the book and a just a hint of an engaged couple looking forward to
more after they are married. The book
does have a pregnancy between two teenagers in it though (students at Amy and Zach's school). I liked Zach, but Amy was a harder character
to enjoy. She was so quick to assume
things and then would storm off (which I find annoying). It was nice reading about such dedicated
teachers who enjoy their jobs. We get to
catch up on the characters from the past two novels to see how they are doing
in their relationships. While A Dash ofDaring can be read alone, it does help to have read the first two books in a
Taste of Romance series. I give A Dash of Daring 4 out of 5 stars (which means I liked it, but did not love it).

The other books in a Taste of Romance series are A Splash of Substance and A Pinch of Promise. I received a complimentary copy
of A Dash of Daring from The Book Club Network Inc. and Elizabeth Maddrey in
exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for stopping by today. I am currently reading The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck (I am a little bit behind on my reading this week). I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday evening. Take care and Happy Reading!KrisThe Avid Reader

Sunday, November 15, 2015

It is the beginning of a new week. It is Clean Your Refrigerator Day and America Recycles Day. I am a big supporter of recycling. It has cut our trash by three quarters since our city started the recycling program. I think I will leave cleaning out the fridge for another day though!

Margaritas, Marzipan, and Murder is the third book in A Cape Bay Mystery series by Harper Lin. Francesca “Fran” Amaro is thirty-four years
old and runs Antonia’s Italian Café (which was started by her family). Fran is enjoying a night out with Sammy
(Samantha Eriksen) and Dawn. Sammy just
broke up with her boyfriend of ten years (he was a mama’s boy who would not
commit). They are enjoying margaritas
when they hear about a dead body by Mary Ellen’s Souvenirs and Gifts. They decide to comfort Mary Ellen and maybe
check things out along the way.

The deceased is Abraham Casey who
is a pharmacist from Boston. He booked a
room at the bed and breakfast three months in advance. Why was he in town and who wanted him
dead? Fran cannot help but look into the
matter. Detective Mike Stanton tries to
stop Fran, but Fran is unstoppable wants she sets her mind on something. Will Fran be able to find the killer before
the killer finds Fran?

Margaritas, Marzipan, and Murder
is a cute cozy mystery novel. I just
wish the author had provided a few more clues to help solve the mystery (so we
can follow the bread crumbs). The mystery
was easy to solve (actually I thought it was obvious), but I like following the
clues throughout the story to solve a mystery.
The writing is good in the book and I enjoy the characters. Fran can be a little clueless at times, but
she is overall a good person. I give
Margaritas, Marzipan, and Murder 4 out of 5 stars. I do suggest that you read the first two books in the series prior to reading Margaritas, Marzipan, and Murder (it will really help).

I am currently reading What the Heart Remembers by Bette Lee Crosby. I have been enjoying a day of watching Downton Abbey. They are starting season five tonight (before the final season starts in January). Have a nice, relaxing evening and Happy Reading!KrisThe Avid Reader

Review Policy

If you would like me to read and review your book, please contact me at Doodlesink@hotmail.com. I enjoy mysteries, paranormal, Christian fiction, and contemporary books. My reviews will be honest and are not influenced by receiving a book for free.